Voice of the people (letter).

Latino Contribution

January 14, 2000|By Julie Chavez.

CHICAGO — I found the Jan. 7 editorial "Coming of age for Hispanics" perpetuated the stereotypes that Latinos can't overcome. Though you laud our recent phenomenal interest in the media--a la the pop success of Jennifer Lopez and Ricky Martin, Latinos, specifically Mexican-Americans, have and continue to make significant contributions to our country. We do not solely satisfy America's gastronomic or musical interests. We have been on the front lines of every major war or conflict that this country has experienced; we have experienced every form of discrimination in our search for a quality life (jobs, housing, economic opportunity); and we are the sweat labor that keeps this booming economy growing. Unfortunately our society is showing its superficial side by assuming that we have arrived because everybody is ga-ga over Ricky and Jennifer.